High Rhode: Niall McNamee will be key

(Throw-in 3.30 unless stated)


Hurling


Carlow SHC final, Mount Leinster rangers v Erins Own, Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, 3.45


Having missed out the on three in a row by just a point last year, Rangers are back for more. They've already thrashed Erins Own this year and their 2008 near miss will mean they won't want it close and they won't let it be either.


Verdict Mount Leinster Rangers


Cork SHC final, Newtownshandrum v Sarsfields, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork, 4.00, Live, TG4, 3.30


The dream final. Newtownshandrum have adapted a siege mentality and are determined to make up for last year's loss and their no-show in the decider two years ago. That day their running game was short-circuited so expect them to mix it up more here. But Sarsfields are much-improved from the side that went all the way 12 months ago, Pat Ryan has been huge at centrefield and the variety provided by Michael Cussen at full-forward (he's scored 2-12 from play in his two-and-a-half games) should see the reigning champions edge a thriller.


Verdict Sarsfields


Kildare SHC final, Celbridge v Coill Dubh, St Conleth's Park, Newbridge


On the bench for Coill Dubh, John Byrne who is seeking his tenth medal. On the field starts his son. We believe they'll continue to fill the club's and family's trophy cabinet.


Verdict Coill Dubh


Laois SHC final, Portlaoise v Clough-Ballacolla, O'Moore Park, Portlaoise


Raymie Ryan has worked wonders and managed Clough through the season unbeaten. But with just one game to go to complete the perfect year, it will be too much, too soon.


Verdict Portlaoise


Roscommon SHC final, Four Roads v Oran, Athleague


Four Roads already beat Oran and if Paul Connolly holds firm, expect something similar.


Verdict Four Roads


Waterford SHC final, Ballygunner v Lismore, Walsh Park, Waterford,


Six times Lismore have fallen to today's opponents since their last title in 1993 but while Ballygunner may have the psychological advantage, Maurice Shanahan, Pádraig Prendergast and John Prendergast have given Lismore a youthful exuberance. On top of that, if Dan Shanahan can win ball and Brendan Landers, James O'Connor and Dave Bennett provide a sturdiness then Lismore may at last gain some long-awaited revenge.


Verdict Lismore


Wexford SHC final, Oulart-the-Ballagh v Buffers Alley, Wexford Park, Wexford


While consistency has been a problem for Oulart, their quarter-final win over Rathnure showed just why they're the best side in the county when on form. The half-back line of David Redmond, Keith Rossiter and Laurence Prendergast should shovel up huge amounts of possession here while Stephen Doyle's form with Darren Stamp and Rory Jacob's presence should see a decent gap between the sides.


Verdict Oulart-the-Ballagh


Football


Clare SFC final, St Senan's, Kilkee v Kilmurray-Ibrickane, Cusack Park, Ennis, 3.45


Seven titles between them this decade, but Michael O'Dwyer should propel the current champions into another Munster adventure.


Verdict Kilmurray-Ibrickane


Kerry Club SFC final, Ardfert v Kerins O'Rahillys, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 2.00


After capturing both junior and intermediate All Ireland titles, a win here for Ardfert and they could well find themselves in a Munster senior championship. But enough of fairytales. The size and physicality of Tommy Walsh and co will prove too much and after falling in the county championship this will provide a little consolation.


Verdict Kerins O'Rahillys


Offaly SfC final, Rhode v Clara, O'Connor Park, Tullamore,


The bookies say it's only a matter of Rhode turning up but that's when Clara are at their best. Pat Flanagan has come back from Tyrrellspass to take charge and will hope victory is a mere stepping stone to taking over the county. Rhode may have dealt with Tomás Deehan in the past, but he is burning all before and with Clara in the minor final and having already bagged the under-21 title, the force, if not the bookies, is with them. They should edge it depsite the presence of Niall McNamee for Rhode.


Verdict Clara


Wicklow SFC final, Rathnew v St Patrick's, Aughrim, Deferred coverage, TG4, 5.20


A sign of how far Wicklow football has come that the television cameras will be present for this one. And two of the men who helped drag the county out of the gutter will drag Rathnew to a first title since 2005. Leighton Glynn has carried his form from the qualifiers into the club championship and in a tight and dogged game, his jinking runs and score taking will prove crucial. Add to that the platform provided by James Stafford and the stern test given by Baltinglass in the last four and it should help Rathnew over the line.


Verdict Rathnew